WIBTA if I refused to give up a water fountain the previous homeowners abandoned 4 years ago?

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When Homeownership Turns Complicated

After moving into a poorly constructed home, a couple finds themselves entangled in a dispute over a water fountain left behind by the previous owners. Four years later, the former owners demand the fountain back for a sentimental anniversary, but the new homeowners feel justified in keeping it after years of neglect from the previous owners. As they navigate the challenges of home repairs and personal boundaries, the story raises questions about ownership, responsibility, and the emotional weight of material possessions. This relatable dilemma resonates with many homeowners who have faced unexpected challenges and the complexities of property rights.

Family Drama Over an Abandoned Water Fountain

In September 2021, a couple purchased a home built in 2019 and moved in immediately. The previous owners (PO) left behind several items, including a water fountain. Here’s a summary of the situation that has led to family drama and conflict resolution challenges:

Initial Agreement: Within the first month of moving in, the PO requested to collect the water fountain. The couple agreed, but the PO never returned to pick it up.
Time Passed: Fast forward to March-April 2025, four years later, the fountain remained in the front yard. The couple had been busy organizing and designing their front garden, intending to incorporate the fountain into their plans.
Gardening Challenges: The avid gardener faced several obstacles:
- Settling into the new home during the first year.
- Learning about seasonal gardening, as they were originally from Florida where seasons differ.
- Addressing significant repairs needed on the poorly built house, including a wall in the main garden area.
Current Status: After completing some exterior repairs, the couple planned to restore the fountain. However, illness delayed their efforts.
PO’s Request: Suddenly, the PO contacted the husband, expressing a desire to reclaim the fountain as it was a gift for his wife’s anniversary. He insisted on picking it up that weekend.
Couple’s Response: The couple decided they were no longer willing to part with the fountain, citing that it had been on their property for four years and was considered abandoned.
Legal Considerations: The couple argued that since the PO had not retrieved the fountain within a reasonable timeframe, they had no claim to it. They felt justified in keeping it, especially given the circumstances of the previous home’s poor construction.
Homeowner’s Struggles: The couple faced numerous issues with the house, including:
- Roof repairs needed.
- Uneven subfloors and gaps in the wood.
- Improper installation of siding.
- Multiple construction flaws that were not caught by the inspector.
Current Situation: The couple feels trapped in their home due to the low interest rates at the time of purchase and the extensive repairs needed.

In light of these events, the couple is left questioning whether they are in the wrong for refusing to return the water fountain after four years, especially given the context of their ongoing struggles with the home. AITA for not giving up the water fountain after the PO sold them a poorly constructed house?

This is Original story from Reddit

Image credit: Pixabay (This is example image – Not the actual photo)

Story

In September 2021, we purchased a home that was built in 2019. We moved in immediately. The previous owner’s PO left a few things at the home, including a water fountain.

Within the first month, the PO asked if they could collect the fountain. We said that was fine, but they never came. It’s now March-April of 2025, 4 years later, and it has been sitting in the front yard.

Over the last 2 years, I have been organizing, prepping, and designing my front garden where it will be incorporated into my design. I am an avid gardener and decided to redo the garden, but haven’t yet planted anything. It has taken me a while to actually get started for multiple reasons.

The first year we were settling in. The second year I had to learn about the seasons. I’m from Florida; we don’t have seasons, so I had to research native plants, best planting times, amongst other things.

The most important reason was that the house was built poorly, and we had to repair an entire wall that was in the main section of the garden. There is no point for me to plant when we will be doing construction work. After we finished the exterior part of the wall, winter started.

The roof still needs repairs, but I have access to the area now. I planned on power washing, repairing, and painting the water fountain this weekend, but I got COVID and again delayed. I dismantled the fountain and relocated it to various places to be worked on.

Suddenly, the PO messaged my husband stating he wants the water fountain back. It’s his 45th anniversary soon, and it was his wife’s 35th anniversary present. He stated he’ll be by this weekend to get it.

I told my husband to inform the PO that I’m no longer willing to part with it. The PO states it’s not mine to part with, and he’ll be by to pick it up. It has been on our property for 4 years.

It’s considered abandoned property after 30 days. We gave him the chance to pick it up, but they didn’t. We’re not a storage unit. What claim does he have to come get it?

I understand it was an anniversary gift, but clearly, he didn’t care enough to get it in the last 4 years. This house was brand new but terribly built by the PO. Everything that could be wrong is wrong.

The roof is missing edge pieces, the subfloor is uneven, causing the entire floor to be uneven with gaps in all the wood. The entire house needs new siding because they installed the Hardy Board incorrectly, and now it’s falling off.

There are 4 different colors and textures of caulk used in the backsplash of the kitchen, screws popping out of every single wall in the house, and the studs aren’t 16 on center. The list goes on and on. We literally have to rebuild the house from the bottom up.

Before you ask, yes, we had an inspector, but no, he didn’t catch these things. We’re also trapped in the house because we bought during the VID times, and the interest rates were very low. So, moving isn’t an option. Trust me, we would if we could.

So, AITA for not giving up the water fountain 4 years after he sold us a terribly built home?

View the Original Reddit Post Here

Summary of Reddit Comments

The top Reddit comments indicate a strong agreement that the fountain in question is legally considered abandoned property after four years, and the current owners have the right to keep it. Users emphasize the importance of documenting the situation, including using cameras and sending written notices to the previous owner to assert their ownership and prevent any potential trespassing. Overall, the consensus is that the current owners are justified in their actions and should take necessary precautions to protect their property.

Verdict: NTA

Expert Advice for Resolving the Conflict

Conflict over property can be challenging, especially when emotions and personal histories are involved. Here are some practical steps for both the couple and the previous owners (PO) to consider in resolving this situation amicably:

For the Current Owners

Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all communications with the PO regarding the fountain. This includes dates, times, and the content of conversations or messages.
Assess Legal Rights: Consult with a real estate attorney to understand your legal standing regarding abandoned property. This will help clarify your rights and responsibilities.
Communicate Openly: Reach out to the PO to discuss the situation. Express your understanding of their sentimental attachment to the fountain while explaining your perspective on its abandonment.
Consider Compromise: If the PO is emotionally attached to the fountain, consider offering a compromise. Perhaps you could agree to let them have it back in exchange for something else of value, or you could offer to help them find a similar fountain.
Protect Your Property: If you decide to keep the fountain, ensure it is well-documented as your property. Consider installing security cameras or signage to deter any potential disputes.

For the Previous Owners

Reflect on the Situation: Understand that the couple has had the fountain for four years and may have developed a sense of ownership over it. Acknowledge the time that has passed since your initial request.
Communicate Respectfully: Reach out to the current owners with a respectful tone. Express your feelings about the fountain and why it holds sentimental value for you and your wife.
Be Open to Dialogue: Be willing to listen to the couple’s perspective. They have faced significant challenges with the house and may feel justified in keeping the fountain.
Explore Alternatives: If reclaiming the fountain proves difficult, consider discussing alternatives. Perhaps you could work together to find a similar fountain or discuss a financial compensation for the couple to part with it.
Seek Mediation: If direct communication does not yield a resolution, consider involving a neutral third party to mediate the discussion. This can help both sides feel heard and facilitate a fair outcome.

Conclusion

Conflicts over property can evoke strong emotions, but approaching the situation with empathy and a willingness to communicate can lead to a resolution that respects both parties’ feelings. By taking these steps, both the current owners and the previous owners can work towards a solution that honors their respective needs and concerns.